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Sewing beginner...what to buy?

Hi,

I am getting a sewing machine for Christmas- my main reason is to enable me to adjust clothes to fit better (mainly lengthen). I know I will need to practise, practise, practise of course.

I have been watching tutorials and they mention different accessories like pins, pens (that evaporate), rulers, curves etc.

I just wondered if any of you experts have any you would particularly recommend.

Thanks in advance.
«13

Comments

  • Pooky
    Pooky Posts: 7,023 Forumite
    1,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    Spare needles for your machine, lots of fabrics of different weights to practice on (cutting up old stuff is great for this), pins are always handy and lots of cotton in various colours - Lidl sometimes do a sewing kit with lots of useful stuff in. A decent tape measure is a must too.

    I don't do much clothes altering as it's far too much of a faff for me but use my machine weekly for patchwork, curtains, faffing with fabrics and this week I'm making cushion covers for a conservatory 3 piece suite we were given....I've never made a box cushion cover before so had a quick Google, found some tutorials and they've turned out fine.
    "Start every day off with a smile and get it over with" - W. C. Field.
  • My gran got me the Dorling Kindersley sewing book -it has been fairly helpful to me in the past, especially now I haven't got my gran around to ask!
    ***Mortgage Free Oct 2018 - Debt Free again (after detour) June 2022***
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  • vulpix
    vulpix Posts: 2,915 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Photogenic
    I would say,good scissors that are only ever used for fabric,pins and a tape measure.Good luck,being able to sew will give you hours of pleasure.
     :
  • Anoneemoose
    Anoneemoose Posts: 2,270 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper I've been Money Tipped!
    vulpix wrote: »
    I would say,good scissors that are only ever used for fabric,pins and a tape measure.Good luck,being able to sew will give you hours of pleasure.

    I really can't wait! It's something I've wanted to do for a while and we recently had a garter making experience on my sister's hen weekend. It was pretty much sewing in a straight line but I was so chuffed that I actually made something! There were 14 of us and we're all wearing them on the wedding day for a cheeky photo.

    The machine I have bought is the same as the one from the garter making so I know how to use it. I have kept a bag full of old clothes to get used to different materials.

    I just thought I could ask for the accessories like scissors etc as stocking fillers. The machine was delivered yesterday and I am struggling to wait until Father Christmas comes!:rotfl:
  • Anoneemoose
    Anoneemoose Posts: 2,270 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper I've been Money Tipped!
    My gran got me the Dorling Kindersley sewing book -it has been fairly helpful to me in the past, especially now I haven't got my gran around to ask!

    I shall have a look at that, thank you. Although the tutorials on YouTube etc are good to watch, I imagine it's handy having a book next to you too.
  • A seam ripper, dress makers scissors, pins (different depending on fabric), tape measure, fabric markers (some wash out some fade - can fade quite quickly in warmer environments) fabric markers should always be tested on the material to check they behave as you expect. If you are making adjustments other than length (not easy because limited by material in the hem!) a French curve may be useful for necklines, hips. A seam gauge is also useful - looks like a short ruler with a slider.
    When using a new machine always have the manual to hand. It’s also useful to have a demonstration from the retailer - if possible one that specialises in sewing machines.
    Great hobby. Enjoy your new machine.
  • Good advice above - decent scissors, seam ripper, pins and tape measure are the things I use most often. If you're new to a sewing machine I recommend 'Me and My Sewing Machine' by Kate Haxell, it gives really clear advice on different seam finishes. The other book I wouldn't be without is the Readers Digest Complete Guide to Sewing - my copy is (gulp) nearly 40 years old, but I believe it's been updated. It is comprehensive, maybe not great for beginners but will stand you in good stead when you need a reference book.

    If you're planning alterations, get some Swedish tracing paper so you can cut patterns/adjustments. Gonna be honest and say that I think altering garments is actually harder - if you're a beginner - than making from new. Maybe choose a pattern you'd like to try? I recommend reading some sewing blogs for ideas, there are loads out there. And come join us on the Sewing Thread!
    Life is mainly froth and bubble: two things stand like stone. Kindness in another’s trouble, courage in your own.
  • Anoneemoose
    Anoneemoose Posts: 2,270 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper I've been Money Tipped!
    Lizabeth21 wrote: »
    A seam ripper, dress makers scissors, pins (different depending on fabric), tape measure, fabric markers (some wash out some fade - can fade quite quickly in warmer environments) fabric markers should always be tested on the material to check they behave as you expect. If you are making adjustments other than length (not easy because limited by material in the hem!) a French curve may be useful for necklines, hips. A seam gauge is also useful - looks like a short ruler with a slider.
    When using a new machine always have the manual to hand. It’s also useful to have a demonstration from the retailer - if possible one that specialises in sewing machines.
    Great hobby. Enjoy your new machine.

    Thank you. I have bought a John Lewis machine, which was recommended by the tutor at our garter making experience. It was also the machine I used and she let me have a go at a few things on the scraps she brought with her. She also explained all of the machine. I found it really easy to use and apparently it's made by Janome and all their accessories are compatible. Hopefully it will be a good starter machine.
  • Anoneemoose
    Anoneemoose Posts: 2,270 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper I've been Money Tipped!
    edited 24 October 2017 at 9:04PM
    Good advice above - decent scissors, seam ripper, pins and tape measure are the things I use most often. If you're new to a sewing machine I recommend 'Me and My Sewing Machine' by Kate Haxell, it gives really clear advice on different seam finishes. The other book I wouldn't be without is the Readers Digest Complete Guide to Sewing - my copy is (gulp) nearly 40 years old, but I believe it's been updated. It is comprehensive, maybe not great for beginners but will stand you in good stead when you need a reference book.

    If you're planning alterations, get some Swedish tracing paper so you can cut patterns/adjustments. Gonna be honest and say that I think altering garments is actually harder - if you're a beginner - than making from new. Maybe choose a pattern you'd like to try? I recommend reading some sewing blogs for ideas, there are loads out there. And come join us on the Sewing Thread!

    Thanks for the reply too. My machine comes with a seam ripper. I have got a new tape measure already (although don't know if it needs to be a particular type), scissors are definitely on the list too!

    Just realised it was a French curve that Lizabeth mentioned that I had heard of.

    It's interesting to know your thoughts on it being easier to make from new, rather than adjusting. One of the reasons I want to do this is because of the struggle I have finding plus size clothes that fit decently. Due to me gaining weight and now being a size 20, but also long in the body with large boobs, I struggle to find clothes that stop lower than my waist! And as I have a mum tum (always have, even when slim), I prefer my tops to be longer. I had hoped that I might practise this sort of thing by adding an extra panel of fabric, either at the bottom, or maybe the middle to standard tshirts and tops. Not sure how feasible this is, but I would practise on some cheap vests and T shirts to start with.

    Not that I expect it to be easy, but I managed to teach myself to make beautiful (even if I do say so myself) celebration cakes, but hopefully my 'crafty' streak will lend itself well to this too!
  • If you’re just looking for clothes that fit you you would be better choosing a pattern that you like and material to go with it and making it from scratch rather than altering clothes. When you have a paper pattern you can alter each section that you think you have problems with and once you’ve altered one pattern to fit you and have made a ‘muslin’ you will be able to replicate this in many garments. You will need to measure yourself (in underwear) and also some of your clothes that you do like the fit of (even if you go shopping with a tape measure don’t buy just measure! I have a tape measure on my key ring!). Books are great for reference but you tube is better!!
    It’s really satisfying to wear something you’ve made (unique) that fits you the way you like.
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